Apple branded iTV production brought forward?

Speculation of Apple joining the TV market is ramping up in recent months with talk recently of a device being released by the holiday season of 2012. Now new reports are suggesting that an Apple branded iTV may have been brought forward.

According to an article on AppleInsider the supply chain for any such product will start preparing components during the first quarter of 2012, and could be released during the second or third quarters of next year.

As we have reported before the company is looking at a variety of different screen sizes for the device, and would begin by releasing 32 and 37-inch models. Previous rumors have suggested that Apple would offer the 32-inch entry level product, going all the way up to a maximum of 55-inches.

It has been claimed before that Sharp would be providing Apple with the displays for its branded TVs, and Samsung supplying chips to go inside the device. Apple have long been rumored to be entering the TV market, but recently this has intensified after Steve Jobs biography revealed the former CEO claimed to have ‘cracked’ an Apple style TV interface.

Previously claims by Jefferies analyst Peter Misek suggested that Sharp would kick off production of the displays for a release of the finished product around the middle of next year. This comes after recent studies showed many consumers not really bothered about purchasing a Smart TV in the near future.

It has to be remembered though that any Apple product comes at a premium cost, and will have to be something special to convince consumers to part with their cash. Will you consider any TV product that Apple may release?